A CHARITY working with the unemployed and those suffering from mental health has expanded after buying a veg box scheme.

Bridge Community Farms and Wellness Gardens has taken over the running of the veg box scheme developed by The Natural Veg Men.

The seasonal boxes are available for delivery every Tuesday across Wirral, West Cheshire and Chester.

The Natural Veg Men's Matt Smee told the Globe: "After more than 200 weeks of deliveries and more than 22,000 veg boxes we are handing over the running of our veg box scheme to the fantastic Bridge Community Farms.

"We were keen to work with them because they have such a fantastic impact on their local community and the team running the farm are absolutely brilliant.

"We'll be on hand to help with the smooth transition of the veg box scheme over the next few months and are helping them make their growing plans for the year ahead.

"We're really looking forward to seeing them develop the veg box offering and continue to provide the best produce in the North West as well as creating further impact in their community."

Based on Mill Lane, Ellesmere Port, the charity recently welcomed the Earl of Wessex to officially open its commercial hydroponics unit.

Farm and Wellness manager Clair Johnson said: "We are delighted to have taken on the hugely successful Veg Box scheme founded by Matt and Tom.

“When people buy their vegetables from us they are not only supporting a great local charity and community farm, they are also supporting sustainable farming practices that protect wildlife, care for the soil and work in harmony with the nature around us.”

The charity’s main purpose is to provide a therapeutic environment for people suffering from a range of mental health conditions, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as those with mental and physical learning disabilities.

They also create permanent and sustainable jobs for the long-term unemployed by growing and selling fruit, vegetables, salads and herbs to the local community.

For more information on Bridge Community Farms and Wellness Garden's veg boxes please visit https://bwgardens.co.uk/ or call 01244 732 842.